Cell module

Abstract

Disclosed is a cell module formed by laminating a plurality of flat cells, each of which has electrode tabs, and a plurality of insulating members, which are disposed so as to eliminate a short circuit between the electrode tabs. The cell module has: a fitting portion 70 formed by lamination of the insulating members so as to be fitted with an external connector 80 ; and a second engaging portion formed in the insulating members 100 so as to be engaged with a first engaging portion of the external connector 80 . It is possible to provide the cell module with a reduced number of component parts such that the connector can be inserted and engaged with the cell module.

1 . A cell module, comprising:
 a plurality of flat cells and insulating members laminated together, the flat cells having electrode tabs, the insulating members being arranged so as to prevent a short circuit between the electrode tabs;   a fitting portion formed by lamination of the insulating members so as to be fitted with an external connector; and   a second engaging portion formed in the insulating members so as to be engaged with a first engaging portion of the external connector.   
     
     
         2 . The cell module according to  claim 1 , wherein the insulating members are integral with the flat cells, respectively. 
     
     
         3 . The cell module according to  claim 1 , wherein the insulating members are frame-shaped and arranged around the flat cells, respectively. 
     
     
         4 . The cell module according to  claim 1 , further comprising connector terminals electrically connected to the respective flat cells,
 wherein the insulating members are adapted to hold the electrode tabs and the connector terminals and are integral with the electrode tabs and the connector terminals, respectively.   
     
     
         5 . The cell module according to  claim 1 , further comprising terminal plates held by the insulating members and connected to the electrode tabs, respectively,
 wherein the connector terminals are formed on the respective terminal plates.   
     
     
         6 . The cell module according to  claim 5 , wherein the electrode tabs are plate-shaped; and wherein plane directions of the electrode tabs, plane directions of the terminal plates and longitudinal directions of the connector terminals are in parallel with a direction of insertion of the external connector relative to the fitting portion. 
     
     
         7 . The cell module according to  claim 1 , wherein the insulating members have a guide portion for positioning of the external connector relative to the fitting portion. 
     
     
         8 . The cell module according to  claim 2 , wherein the insulating members are frame-shaped and arranged around the flat cells, respectively.